Cagefighter Jailed For Killing Southampton Dad

Cagefighter Damon Wright has been jailed for ten years for killing Southampton dad Kevin Wyeth.

Earlier this month he was found not guilty of murder on the grounds of lack of intent, but convicted of manslaughter.

31-year-old Kevin was discovered in an alleyway between Defender Road and Tankerville Road in Woolston in the early hours of 24 August 2013 and was later pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination found that Mr Wyeth, of Kingsclere Avenue, Southampton, died from head, facial and neck injuries.

A court heard Damon Wright, 32, from Pine Vale Crescent in Bournemouth, had just started a relationship with Kevin's ex-girlfriend.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Ellie Hurd said:

“Damon Wright was convicted of the unlawful killing of Kevin Wyeth last August. During the trial Damon Wright admitted that he had inflicted the injuries that resulted in Kevin's death and the jury did not accept that the actions of Wright were justified in self-defence.

“We will never know whether earlier medical intervention could have saved Kevin's life, but Damon Wright's actions that night have left Kevin's family devastated, a loss which has really been felt amongst the wider local community.

”I would like to pay tribute to Kevin's family who have acted with incredible dignity during the trial, which I know must have been a terrible further ordeal"

Kevin Wyeth’s mother, Linda Timberlake, said:

“Kevin was in the prime of his life and had so much to look forward to. He was a well known face in Woolston, having been born in Wharncliffe Road. Unfortunately he lost his life in that same place.

“Kevin leaves behind a sister and two brothers who are still struggling to cope with his loss. We can learn to accept a death due to illness or old age but this will have an everlasting effect on all of us.

“My son was also a devoted dad to three beautiful boys. He was besotted with his children and lived for them. Their lives have been changed forever.

“Kevin’s injuries were so severe that we were unable to see him and say goodbye to our loved one.”

Kevin Wyeth’s father, also Kevin Wyeth said: “Kevin was a typical lad and was a good son.

“His death and the way he died has affected me and his brothers greatly. We are all struggling to deal with our grief.

“I feel a lot of anger about what has happened. The way Kevin died was brutal and Wright has taken my son away. I never had a chance to say goodbye. My life and my sons’ lives will never be the same again.”